News
Boeing heads into 2012 on a high note
Jan. 9, 2012, Chicago, Il. - U.S. aerospace giant Boeing booked 805 net commercial aircraft orders in 2011, an increase of about 530 from the previous year.
January 9, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
The company also delivered 477 airplanes to global clients, a moderate increase compared to 2010. Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Jim Albaugh said 2011 was one of the most exciting and important years in Boeing's history.
"By placing record orders, our customers showed their confidence in our products and the quality of work performed by our employees," Albaugh said. "Our goal in 2012 is to ensure that 787 production is stable and reliable, while maintaining focus on execution as we deliver an increasing number of airplanes across all our programs."
Boeing's 777 jet airliner once more led the company's twin-aisle programmes with record-setting orders of about 200 in a single year, confirming the company's position in the wide body segment. The launch of the 737 MAX, an upgraded version of Boeing's popular 737 plane powered by a more fuel-efficient engine, resulted in multiple orders and commitments.
"The 737 MAX, with its unmatched efficiency, will be a key part of our customers' future fleet needs," Albaugh said. "As our current commitments become firm orders and we add even more customers, I have no doubt that 2012 will be the 'Year of the 737 MAX'."
Boeing ended 2011 with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfilled commercial orders. The company said that the growing demand for its planes is increasing the production rate across most aircraft programs over the next two years. It plans to increase the 737 production rate from 35 to 38 planes a month, the 777 rate from seven to 8.3 planes a month and the 787 rate from 2.5 to ten planes a month.
